NSFs urge PSB to restore trust, support self-financed athletes

National Sports Federations (NSFs) have called for rebuilding trustworthy relations with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), stressing that mutual cooperation is essential for the progress of sports in the country.

The federations believe that if they manage to send athletes to international events on self-financed terms the PSB should appreciate their efforts instead of creating hurdles given the current financial constraints faced by the state. They criticized the recent incidents of athletes being stopped at airports calling such actions counterproductive to sports development.

“It’s unfair to stop athletes from participating in international events when they are privately sponsored,” a federation official told Nukta.

“The PSB should issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) in time so that athletes are not left in confusion. One of our athletes, who was due to participate in the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, was extremely anxious because he didn’t know if he would get the NOC,” the official said.

“Yes, the PSB has the right to ensure that federations select athletes on merit. But if officials remain confined to their offices how can sports be effectively managed?” the official added.

A few days earlier the PSB had issued a directive warning that any federation sending athletes to the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain without government-issued NOCs would face disciplinary action.

The PSB had planned to sponsor a 53-member contingent including athletes from swimming, taekwondo, volleyball, wrestling, athletics, badminton, ju-jitsu and kabaddi. However, several other federations including boxing, golf, triathlon, pencak silat, MMA, teqball, and judo also arranged to send teams, facilitated by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) which managed their entries and accreditation.

Following the PSB’s directive, a pencak silat athlete and an official were stopped at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport from traveling to Bahrain for lack of an NOC. Similarly, a small boxing squad was stopped at Islamabad Airport and their tickets were initially canceled before being rebooked allowing them to travel the following day.

Officials from three federations, all affiliated with the PSB but two of them are not being sponsored by it for the Asian Youth Games, met with PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada who assured them that NOCs would be issued to enable their participation in Bahrain.

Sources said that after the boxing team was stopped the POA intervened and discussed the matter with relevant authorities. The POA, according to sources, advised federations to prepare for departure, assuring them they would not be stopped at the airports. Still several PSB-affiliated federations remained hesitant, fearing possible action if they traveled without formal NOCs.

Officials also expressed concern that this ongoing friction could affect Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Islamic Games in Riyadh, scheduled for early next month.

OCA warning

“This is the right time for the PSB to cooperate with federations,” another federation official said.

“Federations are already supporting the government by financing their own athletes and officials. For instance, I am sending ten additional athletes to the Islamic Games at the federation’s expense. If the PSB withholds NOCs, it would be very discouraging. We brief POA about our squads and the PSB should also recognize the legitimacy of our teams,” the official said.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) had also issued an advisory a few days ago warning that any athlete withdrawals from the Games would incur penalties.

“In the past few days, the OCA and BAYGOC have received numerous withdrawal requests. Since the draws and schedules are finalized, and accommodation arrangements have already been paid for, any further withdrawals will be subject to penalties imposed by the OCA Executive Board,” the advisory stated. “If there are any Late Athlete Replacements (LAR), they must be supported by a proper medical certificate and official form before being accepted by the OCA.”